The shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument played with a large plectrum called a bachi. It evolved from the Chinese sanxian. The neck is fretless and the body is square, traditionally covered in animal skin (cat or dog skin historically, though synthetic materials are common today). One of its most distinctive features is the 'sawari,' a buzzing sound produced by the lowest string vibrating against a ridge near the pegbox. This intentional buzz is similar to the drone of a sitar and is considered a mark of tonal beauty. The shamisen is versatile, used in Kabuki theater, Bunraku puppet shows, and folk music. There are three main styles based on size: hosozao (thin neck), chuuzao (middle neck), and tsugaru-jamisen (thick neck), the latter of which is known for a percussive, high-energy playing style often compared to bluegrass banjo.